About Me

I am a very close friend of Donn Flipse, Jen Stabile and other associates of Field of Flowers, based in Davie Florida. I share with them a love of flowers and plants, the business of selling them, and a desire to learn more about them. Via my blog I hope to find other people of similar interests and provide them with interesting and entertaining information.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

How to Create Your Own Hand - Tied Bouquet!


Hand–Tied Bouquets are very popular, and easy to make. A single type of flower such as roses can be used or it can be a variety. Greenery such as ribbon grass can be placed around the edge for a fuller look.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Hold a few flower or foliage stems tightly in one hand
2. Add each successive stem in a spiral fashion, with the stems crisscrossed in your hand.
3. Once you have placed all your flowers, and while still holding the bouquet in one hand, tie your bouquet with string, ribbon or raffia at the point where the stems come together. (This can be a bit tricky, but gets easy with practice.)

Now you’re done! This yields a bouquet in which the stems flare out, giving room to each flower, as opposed to typical bouquets where the flower stems are parallel. A hand-tied bouquet makes a great gift for someone who has a lot of vases. Recipients can simply drop their bouquets right into a favorite vase, with no need to arrange them.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Flowers, Ribbons and Bows! Oh, My!


There are various kinds of ribbons that can be used to embellish any arrangement or bouquet. Flowers, ribbons and bows often go hand in hand.

The graceful movement of ribbon adds interest and detail to any bridal bouquet and rarely does a floral gift go unadorned by a decorative bow.

Holiday wreaths and garland often benefit from the addition of a fancy bow. The colors and textures of ribbons must be chosen carefully so as to be compatible with the compositions they are accenting.

One type of popular ribbon is curling ribbon, which is very narrow and will curl into loose ringlets when pulled firmly across a sharp edge, usually used for tying balloon bouquets.

One of the most popular ways to cut the ends of your bow once you have chosen the right ribbon is called, Fishtail Cut, which is an indented "V" shape on the tails of your bow - this adds a nice touch to any arrangement or bouquet! (The image above shows a Fishtail Cut.)

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Periods of Designs


One Period of Design that is still used today, is called the Biedermeier also know as "The Classical Revival."

This design originated in Germany about 1815. The Biedermeier focuses on symmetry and straight lines. The flowers are put in containers such as metal or marble mounts and placed on pedestals or columns.

Field of Flowers uses this design style today in their own interpretation of their arrangement called Biedermeier as shown above.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

The Classic Line - Exclusively at Field of Flowers


Field of Flowers offers a huge selection of arrangements, but only one line of arrangements has developed exclusively at Field of Flowers – it’s our “Classic Line”

The “Classic Line” offers beautiful vases, baskets and hand ties of all flowers made in all color palettes, such as Rouge and Plum. Those who are not looking for a mixed arrangement, the “Classic Line” can be made with tropical flowers and for the added touch the “Classic Line” also offers centerpieces made to fit anyone’s needs in round or oblong. It's no wonder why Field of Flowers " is like no other flower store on earth..."

Friday, June 26, 2009

The Frugal Florist


Sometimes Field of Flowers has a guest speaker and one of those speakers that Field of Flowers loves to invite is John Klingel.

John Klingel has worked in many aspects of the floral industry and is now the Director of the South Florida Center for Floral Studies in West Palm Beach, Florida. His background has brought him opportunities to create floral designs for many notables such as Vera Wang & Janet Jackson.

John Klingel is also the author of “The Frugal Florist Do-It-Yourself Flowers on a Budget." This book is great for all brides that want to "Do-It-Yourself" because in John Klingel's book he shows you step-by-step the best techniques to design your wedding flowers on your budget!

I have included You Tube clips where John gives a few "How To" demonstrations.(You can view the clips on the right panel of the blog.)

- By the way John will be Field of Flowers guest speaker on Saturday, June 27. He will be demonstrating his techniques in the Davie store at 2pm -- DON'T MISS IT!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

It’s not just a woman’s world … men like flowers and plants!


Various studies have shown that men like to receive flowers too. So next time you are wondering what to get that man of yours, think florally!

Here are some tips to buying flowers for men:

1. Keep it simple. Research indicates that men prefer the simpler arrangements.

2. Reciprocate the occasion. If your man often buys you flowers for your birthday,considering doing the same for him.

3. Make it vibrant. Softer, more pastel colors are considered feminine – brighter, more cheerful colors have a more positive response in men.

4. Stay contemporary. Men seem to like flower arrangements with contemporary sleek lines and a natural style.

5. Consider plants. The man who thinks flowers are for females may enjoy a great plant. Think bonsai plant, for example – fun but not frilly.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Learn more!

Stores like Field of Flowers have professionals who are skilled and talented floral designers.


But everyone can learn a little more about caring for flowers and making arrangements. One way to do that is to take a class.


Listen to a professional tell you about techniques, colors, flowers that work well together, accessorizing the arrangement, how to get the most life out of your flowers.


Taking a class also allows you to listen to other people who are learning and to find out what they think. Most importantly, taking a class lets you ask questions and grow into your own as you discover what flowers you like, how you like to arrange them, what seasons are right for which flowers, etc.

There’s no age limit for taking classes. Whether you are a young person drawn to flowers and eager to know a lot about them, or someone older who has always wanted to learn more, floral arranging classes and demonstrations can teach you a great deal.

It’s great to read about flowers in a book or watch a video. But there’s nothing like the hands-on experience of working directly with flowers! If you’ve ever thought about taking a class, maybe now’s the time to do it.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Top Five Reasons to Buy Flowers!



1) Flowers are beautiful! Flowers are colorful, vibrant, arresting – a feast for the eyes.
2) Flowers last. Unlike a great meal that’s gone in a moment, flowers have greater longevity. Well after they’ve been given, they continue to blossom and brighten any room.
3) Flowers can make a statement. Flowers can be simple and dramatic or lush and ornate. They can be carefully arranged in a tall vase or modestly presented in a smaller vase. They can say what you want them to say and make the impact you want them to make.
4) Flowers are economical. With pricing top most in people’s minds, flowers are a smart choice – there are great price ranges so you’ll be able to find an option that works for you. And because they last so long, it makes the purchase price even more sensible.
5) Flowers engender happiness. Reports have shown the positive effects of flowers on people. Flowers cheer a hospital room, put a person in a romantic mood, make a person smile and create goodwill. It’s organic!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Flowering Facts about Peonies


• They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America
• Peonies are the state flower of Indiana
• Peonies are only available between late May and early July
• The Chinese name for peony is "sho yu" which means "most beautiful"
• Peonies grow best in partial shade to full sun
• Peony represents elegance and poise.
• Have a vase life of 5-7 days
• Peonies are very thirsty flowers, so make sure you top off the vase or bowl
• Petals should be kept dry, as they are prone to mold